England Star Hints at Worldwide Swap Forward of 2026 World Cup

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Harvey Barnes is open to switching his worldwide allegiance from England to Scotland. The Newcastle United winger was capped for the Three Lions in 2020, nonetheless, he stays eligible for Steve Clarke's World Cup qualifiers via his Scottish grandparents. Barnes sole England look got here in a pleasant towards Wales, that means he can characterize the Tartan Military beneath FIFA guidelines.

Barnes' on-and-off flirtation with Scotland The 27-year-old has flirted with Scottish soccer for the previous few years, prompting Clark to pursue talks with the winger within the early days of his tenure.

Whereas the previous Leicester Metropolis winger has loved profitable spells since his worldwide debut, he has been unable to carve out a spot in Gareth Southgate or Thomas Tuchel's squad. Barnes represented England 14 instances at youth degree; his sole senior cap got here in a 14-minute cameo towards Wales in October 2020.

With Scotland qualifying for his or her first World Cup in 28 years, the thought of Barnes switching allegiances was put to him as soon as once more. Whereas he admitted he hasn't given it a lot thought, Barnes refused to shut the door on taking part in in entrance of the Tartan Military.

Scotland change is 'not off the desk' Barnes was chatting with Sky Sports activities earlier this week. When requested if he had dominated out altering his worldwide allegiance, Barnes mentioned: "No, no, in fact it isn't [off the table].

"I've clearly performed for England and I do know the eligibility facet's nonetheless there. So, it is laborious to say both manner however there's been no actual chats or any form of development in that sense."

That non-committal reply will do little to immediate Scotland boss Clarke to go banging down Barnes' door. The previous West Brom and Studying supervisor final spoke on Barnes eligibility in 2023, the place he revealed he had made remark with the participant to debate his worldwide future.

He mentioned: "I'm not going to say I have not spoken to Harvey, as a result of I've. However that was a very long time in the past. I have not heard from him since. The subsequent cellphone name will not be from me."

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Barnes may turn into first man to modify allegiance from England to Scotland If Barnes does determine to modify his allegiance from Wembley to Hampden, he could be the primary males's participant to seem for Scotland after incomes a senior England cap.

Former Everton and Manchester Metropolis goalkeeper Sandy MacIver selected to characterize Scotland after showing in a pleasant for the Lionesses in 2021. Now turning out within the NWSL for the Washington Spirit, MacIver has made 5 appearances for Scotland since making her debut in 2023.

What would Barnes carry to Scotland? Scottish soccer is driving an unbelievable excessive within the aftermath of their scintillating 4-2 win over Denmark earlier this week. That well-known win secured Clarke's facet a spot in subsequent summer time's World Cup; competitors for spots in his closing squad might be fierce as proud Scottish gamers combat for the uncommon alternative to characterize their nation on the most important stage.

The vast males had been extremely influential within the essential qualifying victory, with Ben Gannon-Doak organising Scott McTominay's overhead kick, and Kyle McClean sending Hampden Park into raptures along with his final minute effort from the midway line. Captain John McGinn usually operates from the left flank for Clarke's facet, that means beginning choices for Barnes might be be restricted; particularly when you think about the supervisor's loyalty to his squad. The beginning XI towards Denmark held greater than 600 caps between them. Would these battle-hardened veterans of this facet be glad to lose their spot to a participant that has flirted with the thought of becoming a member of them for the most effective a part of 5 years?

Nevertheless, the Newcastle winger might be a lovely squad choice. The 27-year-old has been a constant Premier League operator since making his debut for Leicester Metropolis again within the 2017-18 season. With 4 objectives and two assists in restricted sport time for the Magpies this season, the Scottish FA could effectively pursue Barnes one final time, to assist their heroic facet fireplace on all cylinders in North America subsequent summer time.